The Los Angeles Rams have secured veteran tight end Tyler Higbee, agreeing to a two-year deal. This move keeps Higbee, now the team's longest-tenured player, off the open market. The contract is reportedly worth $8 million, preventing him from exploring other opportunities as a pending unrestricted free agent.
Higbee, who has spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the Rams, is returning for his eleventh season. He has established himself as the franchise's all-time leading tight end in receiving yards with 3,949 yards and holds the record for tight end touchdown catches with 27. His return signifies a continuation of a consistent presence within the team's offensive structure, even as recent seasons have seen his availability impacted by injury.
The Rams' deployment of three-tight end sets was a notable tactical element, and Higbee was a key figure in this scheme. Despite never achieving consistently high yardage or touchdown totals season-over-season, his role as a blocking tight end is acknowledged as contributing beyond standard statistical measures.
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Higbee's recent history includes missing seven games last season due to an ankle injury, limiting him to 25 receptions for 281 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games. This comes after a decade of remarkable durability, though the past two seasons have presented challenges. He recently turned 33 years old.
This agreement places Higbee alongside offensive lineman David Quessenberry as the only players re-signed by the Rams thus far. The team also recently made a significant acquisition by trading for two-time All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie. Higbee was previously a fourth-round draft pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.